Garnet Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Garnet Lake Dam, located in Peru, Massachusetts, was completed in 1964 and primarily serves as a recreational spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts.


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Summary

The earth dam stands at a height of 14 feet with a hydraulic height of 12 feet, creating a storage capacity of 117 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 0.03 square miles. The dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement to maintain its structural integrity.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the condition assessment of Garnet Lake Dam in 2009 revealed poor conditions. The risk assessment for the dam is very high, with a risk score of 1 indicating the need for immediate attention and potential risk management measures to be implemented. The dam has a controlled spillway type, but lacks updated emergency action plans and inundation maps, raising concerns about its readiness in case of an emergency. With its location in the Berkshire County and its association with Geer Brook, Garnet Lake Dam is an essential infrastructure that requires careful monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and the preservation of the recreational opportunities it provides.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

275

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

GEER BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

0.03

Hydraulic Height

12

Drainage Area

0.46

Nid Storage

117

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

14
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.